Two brothers, Andrew Hatziagelis (39) and Angelo Hatziagelis (51), have been arrested in New York City after police discovered a cache of homemade explosives, a hit list, and an arsenal of ghost guns in their shared apartment. The brothers were indicted on 130 counts of criminal possession of a weapon and related charges. The discovery included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), assault rifles, and ghost guns, along with instructions for making various bombs and anarchist propaganda. A “hit list” was found, listing “cops, judges, politicians, celebrities,” and “banker scum.” The brothers shared the apartment with their mother and another brother.
The charges include eight counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, nine counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, 47 counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and various other charges related to weapons possession, reckless endangerment, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon. The arsenal seized included loaded AR-15 style ghost gun assault weapons, loaded 9 mm semiautomatic ghost gun pistols, a partially constructed AK-47 style ghost gun, and over 600 rounds of ammunition. In addition, a 3D printer, three sets of body armor, and manuals on how to build explosive devices were confiscated.
The discovery was made during a search of the apartment, resulting in the arrest of the Hatziagelis brothers. The police, along with the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Police, and the ATF, collaborated on the investigation. The defendants are awaiting arraignment on the 130-count indictment, and if convicted, they could each face up to 25 years in prison. Authorities emphasized the potential danger posed by the cache of weapons, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that potentially averted a significant threat to public safety.